Observational/Specialist assessments
Observational assessments take place in the school and record interactions in the classroom/dining hall/playground over a specified period of time. Typically, the pupil will not know he/she is being observed and a full assessment will then follow either in the school on the same day or in a clinic at a later date. At the conclusion of an assessment there will always be a de-briefing session with the parents, and if the parents agree, with members of the school staff.
Specialist assessments (such as the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour) measure communication and daily living skills. These assessments are typically carried out for those wishing to participate in para-athlete events.